Resources on the Courtrock Fire address spot fires caused by anticipated wind changes with aircraft, active ground suppression, and structural protection

July 28, 2024

541-612-0744
imt1.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov
Boneyard/Courtrock Fire Facebook

MONUMENT, Ore. – Lines were tested overnight and during the day on the Courtrock Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) structural task forces along with local landowner resources, held and improved lines where they could, responding to spot fires primarily on the southeast head of the fire.

Active fire behavior over complex terrain and an anticipated change in winds from northwest to west caused spot fires crossing Cottonwood Creek.

The change in winds tested lines, but also provided more visibility allowing for continued use of helicopter water drops and provided opportunities for strategic firing operations to eliminate unburned fuels between constructed fire lines and the main body of the fire.

The east side of the fire was active, but not making major runs. ODF Team 1 worked to improve lines to increase containment ahead of a new weather system arriving tomorrow that has the potential for some light moisture.

OSFM’s structural task forces were actively engaged in combating fire. Efforts were concentrated on the southeast corner for structure protection, aiming to prevent the fire from impacting homes. The taskforces conducted tactical patrol, connected with community members and landowners, and performed surface preparation for homes under immediate threat.

Despite challenges in the past few days, the northeast, northwest, and southwest lines of the Courtrock Fire are holding well, due in great part to landowner assistance.

“Local landowners and the heavy equipment they’ve brought to bear on the Courtrock Fire show the strength of relationships with the John Day District of the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the complete and coordinated system of fire protection in Oregon,” said Chris Cook, Deputy Agency Administrator for the Courtrock Fire.

Due to fire activity in the area, the U.S. Forest Service has issued closures for the Malheur. Up to date information on Malheur National Forest closures can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events

Information for Zone I of the Battle Mountain Complex, including the western portion of the Monkey Creek Fire (formerly Boneyard Fire) can now be found at: https://www.facebook.com/battlemountaincomplex2024

Evacuations: Level 1 (Get Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated evacuation information:

Shelters: An evacuation center has been set up at Grant Union High School (911 S Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845).

Clean air and cooling centers are located in the following locations in Grant County:

  • Grant County Library- cooling & clean air, Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • John Day Senior Center- cooling & clean air, Monday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday 12 – 4 p.m.
  • Prairie City Public Works – clean air center, Monday –  Friday 12 – 7 p.m.
  • Dayville Community Hall- cooling & clean air, 24/7

FIRE AT A GLANCE
Courtrock Est. Size: 17,066 acres
Containment: 17%
Cause: Lightning
Estimated Cost: $ 682,085

Evacuations
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423
Road Closures
https://www.tripcheck.com
Cupper Creek Rd., Vaughn Rd., Short Beech Creek Rd. Short Corner Rd., Grant County Rd #9, Keeny Fork Rd. to Four Corners, and Middle Fork Rd.
Fire Restrictions
https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html

All Resources
Total Personnel: 312
Hand Crews: 9
Engines: 27
Water Tenders: 13
Dozers: 21
Helicopters: 8
Incident Commanders:
Joe Hessel Oregon Department of Forestry
Incident Management Team 1
Rob Root Oregon State Fire Marshal
Incident Management Team

Archives

Skip to content